Born at Beeston, Nottinghamshire. Son of George and Sarah Ann Brackner, of 7, Broughton Street, Beeston. He was a lace draftsman and enlisted with the 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment. 31st August 1914 at Nottingham. He was appointed Lance Corporal 6th November 1914. Went to Gallipoli 1st July 1915. He suffered dysentery and was invalided to England 26th August 1915. He was treated, being admitted 7th September 1915 at the Duchess of Connaughts Red Cross Hospital, Clivedon House, Taplow, Buckinghamshire. He returned to France 9th May 1916 and was posted to the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment. He was promoted Corporal 27th December 1916, appointed Lance-Sergeant 26th December 1917 and promoted Sergeant 27th March 1918. He was killed in action 27th May 1918, age 24.

Buried/Commemorated : Soissons Memorial, France.

His brother Private George Brackner 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment also fell in the Great War.

Photograph of name or grave not yet obtained.

Sergeant William Brackner is also commemorated on the following memorials:
Beeston Lads' Club War Memorial, Beeston, Nottingham
St. John the Baptist Church War Memorial, Nottingham.